'Forest City' developer asked to submit DEIA report

JOHOR BARU: The developer involved in the massive reclamation work covering about 2,000ha under the “Forest City” project, near Tanjung Kupang, is expected to hand over a Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) report on it.

Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said the China-based developer, Country Garden Holdings Ltd, had been notified to submit the report to the state Department of Environment (DOE) soon.

“Given the large area involved, the DEIA is crucial as it allows a better assessment of the project’s potential environmental impact,” said Ayub.

He added that representatives from the company as well as the DOE had met recently to discuss the matter.

The DOE is expected to complete its report on the project by next week as soon as the developer hands over the DEIA.

“If the developer adheres to the necessary requirements then they will be allowed to continue with the reclamation work,” he said.

Earlier this week, Johor DOE director Mokhtar Abdul Majid had said that an DEIA was not required as the work, which was done phase by phase, involved not more than 20.2ha. However, the total area came up to about 2,000ha.

The reclamation work near the Johor Second Link, which is being undertaken by the company and Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ) – a subsidiary of the state government – started in March.

The Star recently reported that the ambitious Forest City project could have potential transboundary effects and Singapore is concerned.

Earlier yesterday in Batu Pahat, state Opposition leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau, who called for a DEIA on the project, said the community has the right to know whether such massive land reclamation work would bring about adverse impact to the environment.

He also questioned why KPRJ is involved in such a huge housing project instead of developing affordable homes for the people.